Good News

Good News in 2024-2025

The North Gaston High School JROTC collected supplies for people affected by Hurricane Helene and delivered them to the Linville Land Harbor distribution site. In addition to delivering their supplies, the cadets helped unload donations, load supplies, sort items, and interact with local residents.

McKinzley Turner of North Gaston High School was one of three winners in the Gaston County Board of Elections “I Voted” sticker competition. The contest featured 68 entries from 12 schools.  The students’ designs will be used on the “I Voted” stickers that are given out when people go to vote.

Nicki Balcziunas of North Gaston High School was among 20 educators selected to tour the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. During a four-day bus trip, they toured the museum, participated in breakout sessions, and engaged in discussions about Holocaust history and the importance of teaching it. The trip was fully funded by the N.C. Council on the Holocaust with participants chosen through a competitive application process.

Landon Weaver of North Gaston High School competed in Argentina this summer in a version of mixed martial arts that is based on age and weight and won a gold medal.

The North Gaston High School marching band took home multiple awards at the Fred T. Ford competition: second place in music, second in marching, first in general effect, second in percussion, first in color guard, first in drum major, and second in band. At the East Burke competition, the band won first place in drum major, second in percussion, second in color guard, second in music, second in general effect, and second in band along with a superior rating.

North Gaston High School students Ruby Ruiz-Vargas (clarinet), Ronald TovillaPablo (alto saxophone), and Laylah Lindsay (trumpet) were selected for the Winthrop University Invitational Band Clinic. 

North Gaston High School’s Nysir Thomas was selected to play in the third annual Queen City Bowl football game on December 21. 

Ayanna Bigger of North Gaston High School was named a QuestBridge Scholar to attend Amherst College.

Students in the Leadership Academy at North Gaston High School collected 245 toys for children in Burnsville, N.C., who were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The North Gaston High School FCA club packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Thanks to the incredible generosity of students, staff, and community families, the school assembled 50 boxes to spread joy to children around the world for the holiday season.  

North Gaston High School teacher Kyle Haywood has been selected to serve as a side judge in one of the four North Carolina High School Athletic Association state football championships.

Logan McKnight, Ruby Ruiz-Vargas, Mikaili Small, and Ronald Tovilla-Pablo of North Gaston High School were selected to participate in the UNC-Charlotte Invitational Honor Band Clinic. Logan and Ruby earned first chair positions in the top band, while Ronald earned third chair in the same band. Additionally, the North Gaston High School Marching Wildcats performed at the annual Carols on the Square event in Dallas on Friday, December 6. Several band members are also playing for the Christmas Eve services at City Church in Gastonia.  

Anna Claire Whitesides of North Gaston High School has been awarded the N.C. Teaching Fellows Scholarship and will attend Appalachian State University next year to major in elementary education.

North Gaston High School sophomore Logan McKnight earned first chair in the Western Region Jazz Band.

North Gaston High School students Aaliyah Love and Amara Howard were chosen as delegates to the N.C. Youth Legislative Assembly, which is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state, and national government.

North Gaston High School junior Barrett Stroud enlisted in the National Guard and will serve while attending North Gaston’s Leadership Academy as a senior next year. 

Three North Gaston High School seniors earned top-five finishes at the 3A individual state wrestling championship. James Weaver placed fifth in the 150-pound weight class, Dewayne Davis finished fourth in the 215-pound division, and Tripp Norwood secured fifth place in the 165-pound class.

North Gaston High School student Kira Green received the Director’s Choice Award for her piece titled Brioche at the annual “Through An Artist’s Eyes” exhibit. The Pinnex Prize was awarded to Alayah LeDoux of North Gaston High School for her black-and-white drawing, “Shadow Study.”

The North Gaston High School symphonic band received superior ratings from all judges at the South Central District Music Performance Adjudication. In addition, the band traveled to Universal Studios in Orlando to compete in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival where they earned a gold rating, the Adjudicator’s Award for the top-scoring concert band, the Spirit Award for best group representation, and an invitation to perform at the Festival of Gold.